Inclusive Environments Flashcards
What is the main legislation Inclusive Environments is covered by?
Inclusive environments are covered by the Equality Act 2010. It legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. It replaced previous anti-discrimination laws with a single Act, making the law easier to understand and strengthening protection in some situations.
What does the Equality Act 2010 require from service providers?
The Act provides for ‘service providers’ to make reasonable adjustments to help less-abled persons access buildings if placed at significant disadvantage. This includes removing or altering features and providing alternative access to services.
What is the test of reasonableness for adjustments under the Equality Act?
The test is one of reasonableness, considering the effectiveness and practicality of the adjustment, financial cost and likely disruption, and the resources available to the service provider.
Which previous acts does the Equality Act 2010 supersede?
The Equality Act 2010 supersedes the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, Race Relations Act 1976, and Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
What is the case Fogerty v Farjampour about?
Fogerty v Farjampour is a case highlighting the problems of not providing an inclusive environment. It involved a pizza shop with a step that prevented access for Mr. Fogerty, who is tetraplegic. The defendant’s arguments failed, and a simple adjustment like a portable ramp could have been made.
What are some accommodations for diversity of user needs in the workplace?
Examples include adjustable desks, adjustable chairs, DRAGON (speech-to-text), adjustable screens, and headsets for phones.
What Local Planning Policy applies to inclusive environments?
The National Planning Policy Framework 2018, as amended 2023, sets out government planning policy in England, emphasizing that inclusive design must take precedence in all settings and new developments.
What does Approved Document Part M cover?
Approved Document Part M covers access and use of buildings, including requirements for ramps, wheelchair access, and accessible toilets. It emphasizes having a level approach from the boundary of the site and clear signage.
What is Inclusive Design?
Inclusive design goes beyond meeting building requirements and legislation, considering the setting of the building in the wider built environment. Examples include accessibility of the office location, natural light, clear signage, and identifiable fire alarms.
How does VOA meet the requirements for an inclusive environment?
The majority of VOA offices fully meet requirements for an inclusive environment, but there are areas for improvement, such as bigger barriers for disabled persons and separate entrances.
What is the Changing Places Toilets Campaign?
The Changing Places Toilets Campaign aims to improve toilet facilities across the UK for those who cannot use standard accessible toilets, providing extra space and specialist equipment.
6 principles for creating inclusive environments as defined by Construction Industry Council:
Contribute to inclusive society
Apply professional judgement
Integrate the principles of inclusive designs
Do more than just comply with legislation
Seek multiple views
Acquire skills to make inclusion the norm
What do you understand by the term ‘unconscious bias’?
Prejudice or unsupported judgements in favour of or against one thing, person or group compared to another, in a way that is considered unfair.
